Mindset Matters: Navigating Through Crisis, COVID-19, And Finding Solutions Through The Business Of Empathy

In these unprecedented times, the world has shut its doors and business is gasping for air just trying to survive. In this new normal it is critical that everyone from C-level executives, entrepreneurs, to small business owners consider what it will take to not only have a sustainable business, but reflect on what it means to be more inventive to pursue new opportunities of growth for the long term beyond the COVID-19 crisis? Companies big and small have to reassess what is important and leadership has to truly embrace the idea that crisis does offer a silver lining in reassessing not only the mechanics of there business but also how be better equipped to handle their most valuable asset, there employees. If businesses are going to thrive in this new reality it is important that leadership for any organization understands the importance of the Business of Empathy. Whether it is viewed as a tactical strategy or implicit to an organization’s culture, this concept should be critical for the ethos of any business to be successful moving forward. 

During this pandemic, businesses are having to redefine themselves on the fly and find new revenue opportunities as quickly as possible. Due to social distancing companies are forced to go online, restaurants are limited to delivery or curbside takeout. The very nature of work is changing quicker than leadership can keep up revealing numerous issues that the digital workforce of the 21st century is still yet unprepared for. The COVID-19 crisis has exposed that though remote work is becoming more prevalent, there are ancillary issues that are critical to the health and productivity of this new digital workforce that need to be addressed if organizations are to have successes in the months and years ahead. This pandemic has revealed the need to safeguard employees who are dealing with invisible disabilities such as stress, anxiety, and depression. By the mere fact of having an organizational structure that is decentralized the element of loneliness cannot be underscored, and the impact it has on corporate health and wellness, motivation and productivity. From leadership in Fortune 500 companies to small business owner’s awareness of these key issues in this transition is paramount. 

Subscribing to a Business of Empathy should be a critical lesson that organizations take away from the COVID-19 era. Organizations need to rethink how they engage with there employees and understand what their needs are. One of the ripple effects of this new remote work culture is the element of loneliness. The immediacy of human interaction and customs and habits of working in a traditional office environment are lost.  This opens up whole new possibilities for the potential vulnerabilities that may cause various mental health issues that companies need to be on top of. The Business of Empathy provides a framework not only just for a way of thinking but action items that are essential to focus on in the digital economy.

Key Action Items For The Business of Empathy 

1)     The Business of Empathy asks companies to do a Needs Analysis for what their employees require to be most productive 

2)    The Business of Empathy requires that organizations understand the critical need to decrease the Digital Divide and look at Accessibility and Universal Design as fundamental to there business strategy moving forward.

3)    The Business of Empathy understands that people with disabilities can be a valued asset in the new economy of remote work. Offer virtual interviews, training and onboarding for remote work.

4)    Companies should build on current virtual communities and form a robust ecosystem of events that cultivate both work and social interaction virtually to combat loneliness and form an online presence to connect remote workers 

5)    The Business of Empathy understands the importance of tackling issues of invisible disabilities and providing therapists and coaches to deal with the unique challenges of tele-work that is essential for organizational growth and sustainability.

As businesses are dealing with the challenge of this pandemic and rethinking what they need to do moving forward, the Business of Empathy offers a direction towards understanding not only what an organization needs in times of crisis, but what innovative leaders need to do. As business mogul, philanthropist and cultural icon Oprah Winfrey stated “Leadership is about empathy. It is about having the ability to relate to and connect with people for the purpose of inspiring and empowering their lives.”